Soooo!! I was in the middle of writing a list of what I felt by experience were great to have as back up for a day of shooting, for models AND even for photographers! I really believe as much as you would like to put hope into your team, you just never know! Whether they bail, or have a genuine emergency, being prepared with back up cuts a ton on your shoulders! Plus it leaves a professional impression! Portraits By Leanza cares for her models (what I call my freelancing photography biz) =)

Sooo what is the list?? Well this general and vital list can range from team to team, but these are common sense and essential basics! LIKE:

  • Back up make up! You don’t have to have the whole kit compared to a pro mua (Make up artist), but something is better than nothing! and on that note it’s an awesome investment for a model who WILL find herself stuck without an mua, but does that mean the show has stopped?! Hell NOO!
  • Make Up Remover– It is so stubborn to fix make up and not have this handy towelette available! Especially after a shoot when you want to just take it offfff! lol
  • Q-tips- Nooo we’re not shooting inside your ears, but it’s an awesome cheap tool to applying eye shadows, lip color and/or even removing something precise! =)
  • Tissues
  • Face/body Lotion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot stand ashiness….nooooo I do not want to try to “photoshop” it, No! It should not be there in the first place people!
  • Pluckers- for stray hairs
  • Nail File
  • Pony holders/ Hair pins- Lots of em!!!!!
  • Safety pins- Lots!!
  • Hair spray /sheen
  • Hair combs/Brushes
  • Large towel- I’ve had experiences where a towel would be needed after posing on the ground or even as fast dressing rooms! LOL I do have a portable changing room now, but when the model is down to make the process much quicker, those large towels are PERFECT!

So far those are the MAIN basics I believe save the day and are generally always NEEDED! It usually is pretty obvious a model must be shaven (NO HAIR is allowed on legs, underarms, etc!) No waaaaay! and HELL NO I’m not going to sit on photoshop desperately trying to take strands off, when it’s common sense it should not be there! Not cute! lol Also important to have various undergarments in nude, black, and white. Preferably underwear that doesn’t show pantie lines, and bras that are also strapless and/or have those 5 in 1 straps for flexibility with clothing!

BUT the MOST important essential is bring your SMILE!!! A great attitude and POSITIVE personality ALWAYS calms the nerves, makes things go smooooth and sooo much more FUN!!!! Things happen, but in this industry and/or whatever your into, you MUST be able to adapt, think on your toes, and make the BEST out of each and every situation!!!

Now… what do you think I left out in the list and/or have you had an experience you would like to share??? I’m all for it!! Leave a comment and contact me personally on facebook!

P.s. Please hit that LIKE button to your RIGHT!!  😉

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Peace and Love!!

=D